"Everything's a Challenge": An Interview Study of ADHD Individuals in the Midst of the Prescription Stimulant Shortage.

Background: The shortage of prescription stimulants is an ongoing issue that is impacting the ability of individuals with ADHD to access their medication. Amidst concerns that this shortage may have a substantial impact on individuals' ability to manage their symptoms effectively, this research seeks to understand the experiences and consequences for those affected.

Methods: In this study, we interviewed individuals with ADHD who have been directly impacted by the stimulant shortage. Thematic analysis focused on identifying common themes related to challenges with medication access and the resulting effects on daily living.

Results: The study uncovered significant difficulties in accessing ADHD medication due to current shortages, leading to disruptions in the management of ADHD symptoms and subsequent detriments to individuals' professional, educational, and personal lives. Systematic controls aimed at reducing non-medical use were found to exacerbate these access issues, inadvertently compounding the challenges faced by those using medication for legitimate medical needs. Individuals also described ways they coped with the shortage, with some seeking ADHD medication via unofficial channels.

Conclusion: Our findings highlight the urgency of addressing stimulant shortages to safeguard the wellbeing of individuals with ADHD. This study also calls for a critical review of policy measures regulating stimulant medication access, and their effectiveness at reducing non-medical use given the unintended consequences these regulations appear to have on individuals prescribed these medications for therapeutic purposes.